Winning the Europa Conference League is the only way West Ham can keep hold of captain Declan Rice for another season, according to Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

The midfielder has turned down multiple contract offers and the feeling is that he will be sold next summer if the price is right. However, Bridge claims there is a scenario where the player could remain at the London Stadium:

“If Declan Rice can maybe win a trophy this season – I know West Ham are out of the Carabao Cup – but a European trophy, that might give him just one more year there.”

It won’t be easy to win the Conference League, with the likes of Villarreal, Nice and AZ Alkmaar still in the competition, but the Hammers are among the favourites.

Whether Bridge is right on whether it would be enough to keep Rice, though, it is up for debate. The likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are said to be interested in the 23-year-old and, if one of these clubs does offer in excess of £100m, West Ham could well be tempted to sell up.